Coronavirus Unable to Stop Producing Oil , Gas for a Single Day
IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK
TEHRAN – Oil Minister said on Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic has not stopped the production of the Iranian oil and gas even for a single day.
Bijan Namdar Zanganeh noted that if oil and gas are not produced, electricity and water will not be produced either.
Under the Covid-19 pandemic and the U.S. cruel sanctions exploration operation in Iran is meant to continue in order to ensure the increase in oil production.
Iranian oil officials believe that the ongoing exploration activities will be the mainstay of future oil production growth while increasing the country’s oil reserves is in itself a lever of power that can be used in trade bargaining and obtaining OPEC quotas.
Zanganeh announced in mid-July that his country plans to increase its oil output capacity to take its share back from the market in case of the U.S. sanctions termination.
“It’s true that our output is low because of cruel and illegal sanctions, but things won’t stay the same,“ Zanganeh said at the time.
“We need to increase our production capacity to be able to return to the market in full force and restore our share whenever necessary.”
He also said the U.S. is telling a lie that it has not targeted Iranian nation and its sanctions are aimed at pressuring Iranian nation.
Zanganeh also praised personnel of the ministry who risked their lives during the pandemic to retain oil and gas production.
On the sidelines and talking to reporters, he reiterated that he does not intend to run for president, adding that after finishing his term in the ministry he will never come back to the government jobs.
He added that political retirement has no meaning but he is not interested in returning to the government job.
He noted that the ministry is fighting in different fronts as enemies are exerting the toughest pressure on Iran.
He termed sanctions a crime against humanity that Iranians are facing it.
